Johannesburg, South Africa Travel Guide

This summer marks not only South Africa’s hosting of soccer’s World Cup, but also the emergence of South Africa’s largest city as one of the continent’s most inventive capitals of cuisine. From artfully prepared local game (warthog, anyone?) to Italian, Portuguese, and even vegetarian cuisines, Joburg is now a dining destination in its own right—no longer just a layover for foodies on the way to Cape Town, the Winelands, or the luxe lodges of KwaZulu-Natal.

Go

Both South African Airways (SAA) and Delta serve Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport nonstop from the U.S.—SAA from New York and Washington, D.C.; Delta from Atlanta.

Stay

The Saxon is a 24-suite former private estate in a posh district with sublime service.

Picks

Here, concrete floors are topped with communal pine tables, and comfort classics like beer-battered fish and mushrooms on toast are accented by South African wines, most glasses under
$5. 260 Fox Street, City and Suburban; 011-27-11-334-5947; artsonmain.co.za

With its dark wood beams and decor, Wombles brings a bit of the bush to the city. Sip a Pinotage and choose among fillets, sirloins, rumps, prime ribs, and T-bones—juicy, crisp, and sized up to a kilo. Pair them with sauces such as green peppercorn, Dijon mustard, barbecue, and “monkey gland” (a local fruit-chutney-and-ketchup concoction). 17 Third Avenue, Parktown North; 011-27-11-880-2470; wombles.co.za

Gingko

South Africa is carnivore country, which makes this newcomer from former dancer Catherine Speedie a much-appreciated addition to the city’s dining scene. Standouts include iced pea and mascarpone soup, seared wild salmon with asparagus and herbed potatoes, and dark chocolate torte with ground almonds and organic ice cream, as well as snacks such as goat-yogurt smoothies, savory crepes, and gluten-free sandwiches and wraps. 61 Dundalk Avenue, Parkview; 011-27-11-486-3361

Restaurant at the
Monarch Hotel
Decorated with ceramic plates by South African artist Ruan Hoffmann, this stylish new hotel’s bar/lounge has emerged as a hangout for the city’s art and media worlds. Chef Keith Frisley serves a finely edited collection of dishes—from sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, spiked with fennel, and enriched with chunks of feta, to monkfish fillets with lobster chunks, cinnamon, and saffron. 167 Oxford Road, Rosebank; 011-27-11-341-2000; monarchhotels.co.za

This SoHo-style bistro has recently opened a second dining room five years after its debut. The sprawling addition’s spareness is cozied up with vintage furniture and colorful antiques. Chef Thomas Barker’s menu is equally eclectic: Starters such as garlicky mussels with fries and warthog carpaccio with cactus pear jus are crowd-pleasers, as are entrées, including rabbit risotto. The fruit crepe with zabaglione cream is indulgent, but still a hit with the restaurant’s body-conscious young, hip crowd. 140 11th Street, Parkmore; 011-27-11-784-1575; thomasmaxwell.co.za

A sort of mess hall for Portuguese colonials, this restaurant has a kitschy decor that belies one of Joburg’s most memorable dining experiences. Try the fiery East African peri-peri sauce for meats and fish; here, grilled baby chickens or massive Mozambique prawns come drenched in the stuff. During the World Cup, the bar is sure to lure local Portuguese rooting for their homeland or Brazil. 25 Bezuidenhout Street, Troyeville; 011-27-11-402-7709; troyevillehotel.co.za

Designed with an odd-yet-cool mix of ’70s-style furniture and country-chic antiques, this morning hangout spot has a global breakfast menu ranging from a rich single-egg Benedict and protein-packed breakfast burritos to house-made granola and light pancakes with fresh fruit. The ingredients are free-range and locally sourced whenever possible, and the coffee is extra-strong. 44 Stanley Avenue East, Milpark; 011-27-11-482-7795; salvationcafe.co.za